MeganGC1983

Thanks for following along!

Welcome aboard!

Fall brain… when I booked this in November to give the kids as a Christmas gift, there were a few factors I didn’t take into account… mostly, how busy spring is for my 3 kids. Between cheer, dance, soccer, softball, and end of year events, plus add in all the makeup games because Oklahoma spring is gonna Oklahoma spring… I’ve needed this cruise for the past 3 weeks. Although I only returned for the Valiant Lady in February, I surely felt I needed a cruise in April. But I stayed home… worked and mommed, and fortunately, survived the melee. Now, all that stands in the way of the cruise is 4 days of school, 4 recital rehearsals, 1 dance recital, 1 soccer game, 3 softball games, and a trip to the airport. Sigh!

The last kid cruise we took was on the Carnival Dream Oct. of 2022 in a deluxe ocean view. I’m going to miss that extra half bath. That sailing was also to the Bahamas, and the highlight for the kids, other than all the ice cream, was our day at Atlantis water park. This sailing we are in a Boardwalk balcony cabin. I really wanted to try that out since it isn’t an option on most other (non-royal) ships. Also, this time in Nassau, we are just gonna have a simple beach day at Junkanoo, explore the new port area, and I definitely need a pina colada from John Watling’s. On our last few sailings, we’ve been to San Juan a LOT. I love a good Barrachina pina colada, but my favorite is at John Watling’s. We will do the water park thing at CocoCay with Thrill Waterpark day passes. I watched them for a while and finally got them at $68.99 per person. Not sure it’s worth it every time, but at least the first time with kids, I guess. I like that the drink package will work on the private island. I bought that too for $70.99 per person per day in the app. Probably around the end of February. For fun… I give you the many faces of Colton, enjoy his cruise food.

This whole cruise idea started when the Icon of the Seas ad campaign really took off. My DS, Colton, decided from the commercials that he was over Carnival and proclaimed he was now a “Royal Caribbean kid”. My kids have only sailed Carnival. “Mr. Megan” hasn’t even sailed on Royal Caribbean, but for Christmas, we decided that we would get them a cruise. Thats when the fun began. I wanted to take advantage of the Kids Sail Free promo, but I also live by a “school is your job” motto. My kids aren’t missing school to cruise. With blackout dates looming, I scoured sailings with cabins for 5, starting after May 17th (last day of school) but before May 22nd (kids sail free blackout date)… Galveston is our usual home port with the kids, but Mariner departs the 18th (my oldest’s dance recital day) and Harmony didn’t have any 5 person berths. The more I thought about it, the more I really wanted to include “all things Royal” so I decided we needed a Perfect Day at CocoCay in there. That’s not happening from Galveston, so Allure of the Seas, May 20-24 to Nassau and Perfect Day became the go to option.

Hey! Hey! Hey! It’s almost time to set sail aboard the beautiful Allure of the Seas. I hope you’ll all join me as we sail on Royal for the first time in a long time with all the Bahamas fun, drink package shenanigans, and kid crap anyone could hope for. For those that are new, welcome! This is my 15th LIVE… wow! For the regulars, buckle up. You all know how this goes. Start your livers and pack your patience because this is a kid cruise. After 8 cruises without them, my 3 yahoos are coming along and we are sharing a singular cabin. It’s only 4 nights, how bad can it be?! We fly out early Sunday morning, so grab your virtual suitcase or two (it’s Southwest after all) and join us on this beginning of summer “sail”abration.

Here for as much as I can! Have a great cruise.

Excited to get it going with ya… then I’ll catch up after my LIVE! Enjoy every moment of it.

Whoop whoop! What a way to Wednesday! Reporting to the party!!

On carnival, I have to have patron. The mix makes it worse as it is.

I’ve never paid $150 for a golf cart in Bimini. We’ve done this 8 times. I’ve been quoted $80 and talked them down to $60 or $70 at the most.

I agree. Perhaps we will meet up officially on one of those sailings.

After rewatching it. There’s a Statue of Liberty, a flamingo, the HOLLYWOOD sign, and the Space Needle on this. Says it will be broadcast at 12 est on May 1st. mice also noticed Richard Branson has been doing a scavenger hunt in London and NYC. London sailings have been announced, but not New York. Guessing Brilliant will sail from NYC and west coast?

Several of my friends that work for VV have posted “Something Brilliant is coming May 1st”. I guess Brilliant Lady details will finally come out.

She’s being friendly on this sailing! Our cruising cougar is back on the prowl.

I’m here. I’m gonna need more details over THERE! 😆

I’m here! Sorry I’m late! Ready to cruise.

My Med sailing is more… of course it is. 😆

Sailor Service through VV can only offer you the current promotion, same as what you can book online yourself. TAs offer have extra incentives as well as most of the top ones will book your dining for you and offer other services.

I understand you like to start and end in different ports, but if you haven’t done the Greek Island Glow itinerary, it’s fabulous. Santorini and Mykonos are unbelievable and the water in Bodrum was insane. A few pictures for reference.

Here for this. We sail Allure in May. Thanks for taking us along.

I’m doing VV Barcelona in August and staying at H10 Montacado as we are flying in a few days early and want to be centrally located. In my research, I did not find any that offered a shuttle to the cruise port.

It’s outside the gate. There’s a shopping area and the bar. The bar is to the left before the bridge. I don’t believe there’s a beach anywhere near there outside the gate.

Loaded questions… First, yes, if you book a shore excursion through the cruise line, they are not suppose to leave you behind. I’ve seen them wait for sponsored excursions. Recommended with GIG- We did the home cooking demo in Mykonos. I would highly recommend it. The hostess was entertaining, knowledgeable and made fantastic food. I didn’t think I liked Greek food, but the whole meal (and the wine) was fantastic. I’ve made her tzatziki several times and someday, I’ll make her Souvlaki. I’ll attach photos below. Booking separately depends on the provider. Some pick up at the port. Some require a taxi or bus. Just make sure you get the arrival time correct on the information form. I’m sorry I can’t help with Delos. We didn’t do that one.

We went to Lindos in Rhodes and it was beautiful.